Enjoy your summer and have some fun sharpening your skills this summer. A variety of suggestions, articles, games, etc. have been provided for you….there is something for everyone. 

Become a Bookworm . . . or an Expert
Start by reading Eric Greitens’ new book “The Heart and the Fist.” Greitens used his summers to do amazing things. His book will show you how extreme summer opportunities can be.

Or, make yourself an authority on one topic, such as the novels of Anthony Trollope, the life of Theodore Roosevelt, the plays of Harold Pinter or the operas of Verdi. Choose an author and read everything he or she wrote.

Make a Movie
No, seriously! Write a screenplay, grab your video camera or iPad, and make a movie. Virtually every film director began making movies at a young age. Invite your family or friends to view the final production on “opening night.”

Become a Beethoven
Learn to play a musical instrument. If you already play one, find a piece of music that really challenges you, something you’d love to be able to play brilliantly, and go for it. Practice hard every day. Nothing worthwhile was ever achieved without strenuous effort.

Meet Someone from a Different Culture
Whether you have the opportunity to travel abroad or simply connect with someone online, meeting someone from a different culture can be a mind-blowing experience! Talk to your new friend about how he or she spends free time. Ask him or her to share some favorite recipes with you, and try them out with your family. Return the favor, and share interesting information about your own culture as well.

Get In Touch With Your Inner Artist
Are you the next Manet or Monet? You’ll never know unless you explore your talents. Grab a canvas and some paint and create something — anything! It can be real or abstract; just go with your gut. Don’t know where to start? Study the techniques of some of your favorite artists and see if you can imitate them.

Math:
1. The New York Times:  Eight Summer Math Ideas: http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/04/25/these-days-are-numbered-eight-summer-math-ideas/
2. Texas Instrument: http://education.ti.com/educationportal/sites/US/nonProductSingle/about_press_release_news130.html
3. http://www.catchupmath.com There is a “Free to Students” button on this site where students can sign up for a free subscription that tracks their progress. It will even print a report card.  After registration, students may use their account on either a PC or iPad.
4. AAA Math Sorted by Subject or Grade Level:  http://www.aaamath.com/
5. Math for Grade 6:  http://www.eduplace.com/kids/mw/g_6.html
6. Middle School Math Games:  http://www.softschools.com/grades/6th_and_7th.jsp

Literacy:  Reading and Writing:
1. Adolescent Literacy A Beach Bag full of Summer Learning Resources: http://www.adlit.org/article/24234/
2. School Family website:(K-12) http://www.schoolfamily.com/summer-learning
3. Developing literacy skills over the summer:
http://www.education.com/reference/article/Ref_Developing_Literacy/
4. Language Arts for Middle School:  http://www.internet4classrooms.com/skills_6th_original.htm
5. English for Grades 6-8:      http://www.eduplace.com/kids/hme/6_8?
6. Grammar for Grades 6-8:  http://www.eduplace.com/kids/hme/6_8/grammar/
7. Spelling and Vocabulary:  http://www.eduplace.com/kids/hmsv/
8. Spelling and Vocabulary Easier:  http://www.eduplace.com/kids/sv/
9. Middle School Language Arts:  http://www.softschools.com/language_arts/
10. Scholastic Online Activities: http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/student-activities
11. Activities That Promote Reading for School Teachers:
http://www.ehow.com/list_6558736_activities-promote-reading-school- teachers.html

Science:
1. NASA Quest Challenges: http://quest.nasa.gov/
2. Science and the Summer Olympics: http://www.ehow.com/facts_5758664_information-school-activities-summer-olympics.html
3. Middle School Science activities: http://www.education.com/activity/middle-school/science/
4. Online Sources for Science Summer Fun: http://www.4cforkids.org/news/online-sources-for-summer-science-fun
5. Try Science: http://www.tryscience.org/
6. Summer Science Recipes Experiments on the Grill and in the Kitchen: http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/adulted/lessons/lesson44.html
7. Summer Learning Fun- Science Ideas: http://homeschooling.about.com/library/blsumsci.htm
8. Awesome Science Summer Activities: http://www.education.com/magazine/article/Summer_Science_Activities/
9. Science NetLinks: http://sciencenetlinks.com/collections/summer-learning/
10. Science Update daily radio show: http://www.scienceupdate.com/
11. Science Activities and Games: http://www.education.com/activity/science/
12. Science for Kids: http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/
13. Top Science Websites for Kids: http://familyinternet.about.com/od/websitesforkids/tp/science_websites.htm
14. Science Lab Education Resources: http://www.osti.gov/sciencelab/middleschool.html
15. ScienceMuseum.Org Online Activities: http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/onlinestuff/games.aspx
16. Science Vocabulary Hangman Game: http://education.jlab.org/vocabhangman/

Parents:
1. Parenting Science - Preventing summer learning loss: Research-based tips: http://www.parentingscience.com/summer-learning-loss.html
2. Ten Ways to Boost Your Child’s Science Skills:  http://www.education.com/magazine/article/maximize—performance-science/
3. Summer Science Fun for Parents and Kids: http://www.brighthub.com/education/homework-tips/articles/75273.aspx

Social Studies:
1. Interactive Social Studies:  http://www.softschools.com/social_studies/
2. Interactive Maps of the US:  http://www.eduplace.com/kids/socsci/me/books/bkd/imaps/index.html
3. Interactive World Maps:  http://www.eduplace.com/kids/socsci/me/books/bkf1/imaps/index.html

Foreign Languages:
1. Learning Spanish:  http://www.softschools.com/spanish/
2. Learning French:  http://www.softschools.com/french/
3. Other Languages:  http://www.softschools.com/languages/

Miscellaneous:  Games, articles and online activities:
1. John Hopkins University National Summer Learning Association Activity Resources: http://www.summerlearning.org/?page=activity_resources
2. US News and World Report -Education 3 Tips for Parents to Engage Teens in Summer Learning: http://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/high-school-notes/2012/05/02/3-tips-for-parents-to-engage-teens-in-summer-learning
3. Summer Brain Games: http://homeworktips.about.com/od/preparingforcollege/a/summergames.htm
4. Get Ready for Summer! Ideas for Teachers to Share with Families: http://www.readingrockets.org/article/23428/
5. Parent’s Guide to fun and Educational Summer Activities: http://www.scholastic.com/browse/collection.jsp?id=98
6. Verizon Thinkfinity
a. Summer Fun Activities: http://www.thinkfinity.org/summer-fun-activities
b. Summer Learning Activities and Online Games: http://www.thinkfinity.org/summer-learning-activities
7. Ten Free Summer Learning Ideas: http://www.connectionsacademy.com/blog/posts/2010-06-02/10-Free-Learning-Ideas-for-Summer.aspx
8. Back to school tips for summer months: http://childparenting.about.com/od/schoollearning/a/Back_to_school_tips_for_summer.htm
9. 7 Free Online Educational Game Sites (Help Kids Keep School Skills Sharp During Summer) ... collection of one hundred fun, free online educational games for kids.” aimed at ages pre-K through middle school:
http://www.emergingedtech.com/.../7-free-online-educational-games-sites-
... 10. Top summer learning activities for middle school students:
http://www.greatschools.org/print-view/students/summer-activities/slideshows/4169-summer-learning-middle-school.gs
11. Sheppard Software (scroll down to Middle School): http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/